The progression of bridges at this location – just north of the rail yards at New Castle Junction – can be a little confusing. The P&W (later taken over by the B&O) and the P&LE each utilized single-track bridges here in the 1880’s. The P&LE built a double-track bridge in 1892, while the P&W built a new steel double-track bridge, supported by four stone piers, in 1898. The P&LE built a new double-track span in 1905 that apparently “joined” the existing P&W bridge. The P&LE work was briefly halted in May 1905 due to a lack of stone, but the shared B&O/P&LE bridge (shown above) was completed by early 1906. (c1908) Full Size

A modern-day aerial view of the old bridge, which is still in use by the trains of the CSX. You can clearly see the abandoned “southern” portion of the span on the right. This photo was taken from over Mahoningtown and looking directly south. (c2012) Full Size

Walking towards the bridge from East Cherry Street in Mahoningtown. (Oct 2012)

Looking east towards the bridge. (Oct 2012)

Looking east across the bridge you can see the yards of what remains of a once-thriving New Castle Junction. The main tracks are still is use by the CSX, while you can see the old abandoned tracks to the right. (Oct 2012) Full Size